Root Canals
Yep, the old scary-painful-expensive root canal - a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.
During a root canal procedure, the never and pulp are removed. Then the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful, but actually the discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.
The Reason Tooth Nerve Need to Be Removed:
When the nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria quickly begins to multiply. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection, which can cause swelling that can affect areas of the face, neck, or head and even bone loss around the tip of the root
The Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed:
- Toothache pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Sensitivity or pain to hot or cold
- Swollen and tender gums
- Darkening of the tooth
What To Expect After the Root Canal:
You may feel some sensitivity and discomfort during the first couple of days following the procedure. This is mostly due to tissue inflammation. The discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve. The root canal procedure is considered to be finished when the tooth is either filled with a permanent filling or a crown is placed over the tooth. Until then, it's important to minimize chewing on the tooth where the root canal was done.
Costs of a Root Canal:
The procedure cost varies depending on severity of the problem and what tooth is affected. The cost for root canals performed by a general dentist range between $500 to $700 for incisor (front teeth) and $800 to $1,000 for a molar (back teeth).
